At nine A.M. we saw eleven canoes coming off
from the shore, our distance from the tents being about four miles. We
now hoisted two of them on board, their owners K=a-k~ee and
N~u-y=ak-k~a being very well pleased with the expedient, to avoid
damaging them alongside. Above an hour was occupied in endeavouring to
gain additional information respecting the land to the westward, and the
time when we might expect the ice to break up in the strait, after which
we dismissed them with various useful presents, the atmosphere becoming
extremely thick with snow, and threatening a repetition of the same
inclement weather as we had lately experienced.
On the 23d we went on shore to pay another visit to the Esquimaux, who
came down on the ice in great numbers to receive us, repeatedly stroking
down the front of their jackets with the palm of the hand as they
advanced, a custom not before mentioned, as we had some doubt about it
at Winter Island, and which they soon discontinued here. They also
frequently called out _tima_, a word which, according to Hearne,
signifies in the Esquimaux language, "What cheer!" and which Captain
Franklin heard frequently used on first accosting the natives at the
mouth of the Coppermine River.
Pages:
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40